The BK Channels of the Mouse: (IMAGE) University of Maryland School of Medicine Caption Mice sleep during the day, when BK channels should be inhibited. This daytime BK channel inhibition results in high neuronal activity that leads to sleep. At night, BK channels become active, passing potassium (K+) current, and lowering neuronal activity. Lower neuronal activity triggers wakefulness, and activities such as wheel running. The link between neuronal activity and the sleep/wake cycles is similar in humans, with one key difference: humans tend to be daytime animals, awake in the day and asleep at night. Credit Andrea Meredith Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.